APTOS -- A retired chancellor at Saratoga-based West Valley-Mission Community College District will take over Feb. 1 as interim president of Cabrillo College, serving in the role for up to six months as the search for a permanent replacement continues.

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Lafayette resident John Hendrickson at Monday's board meeting, after the recommendation of a subcommittee that includes board members Alan Smith, Margarita Cortez and Rachael Spencer. The committee was formed last month to find a temporary replacement for outgoing president Brian King, who takes over Feb. 1 as chancellor of Los Rios Community College District in Sacramento.

Subcommittee members worked during the winter break to narrow down a list of candidates based on eight criteria, including someone who can provide support during Cabrillo's upcoming accreditation process, and who will focus on student success, Smith said ahead of the vote.

Hendrickson's monthly salary will be about $17,900, or roughly $1,600 less than King's. However, he will not receive medical, dental or other benefits.

"I feel fortunate to have spent nine years of my life in such a wonderful place and amazing college," King said at the end of the meeting, which concluded with the board, faculty and staff listing off the things they will miss about him and included an informal going-away reception with cake.

West Valley has more than 20,000 students enrolled at its Saratoga and Santa Clara campuses, and Hendrickson served as its chancellor from August 2008 to July 2012. He also served as interim superintendent at MiraCosta College in Oceanside and holds leadership positions with the Community College League of California and Association of California Community College Administrators, according to the resume he submitted to Cabrillo officials.

He told the board he was "humbled and excited," and that he understands his job is to "ensure we hold the line" and to "read and learn and listen."

The board also unanimously approved hiring Marin-based Community College Search Services to provide consulting services during its search for a permanent replacement, expected to be named by the fall. That firm will serve as the primary contact and perform the majority of the work under the terms of a $25,000 contract.

In other business, the board received information about upcoming budget talks related to Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget for 2013-14, released late last week. The $98 billion budget is set to be revised in May, but currently includes $197 million for the state's 112 community colleges, and $179 million in deferred obligations from the state.

"We're feeling optimistic, but there are some big policy changes that could adversely affect us," said Victoria Lewis, vice president of administrative services, referring, among other things, to a proposal that would tie funding more to the number of students who complete their courses, rather than how many students are enrolled at the start of the terms.